Auto Shows & Future Cars

2013 Porsche Boxster Makes American Debut at New York International Auto Show

April 10, 2012

A completely redesigned, third-generation 2013 Porsche Boxster and Boxster S, made its North American debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show. First shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the 2013 Boxster roadster features an all-new lightweight chassis, a completely revamped (longer, wider, lower) body design, and a new fully electric top with an elongated elegant shape that can be retracted or deployed in nine seconds at speeds up to 31 mph.

2013 Porsche Boxster Available in Two Performance Levels:

Although it’s the most affordable vehicle in the Porsche lineup, that doesn’t mean the compact mid-engine Boxster is lacking in performance: The standard rear-wheel-drive 2013 Porsche Boxster is powered by a 265-horsepower/2.7-liter boxer engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission or optional seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (it’s hard to say, just call it PDK and you’ll be fine), and boasts acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 5.8 seconds (5.7 seconds with PDK or 5.5 seconds with Sport Chrono Package) and a top speed of 165 mph (162 with PDK). The standard 2013 Porsche Boxster expects to offer highway fuel economy of 28 mpg (or 30.5 mpg with PDK).

Want more performance than that? Step up to the rear-wheel-drive 2013 Porsche Boxster S, which is powered by a 315-horsepower/3.4-liter boxer engine mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional seven-speed PDK transmission. Choosing the high-performance Boxster S provides acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds (5.0 seconds with PDK, 4.8 seconds with Sport Chrono Package), a top speed of 186 mph or 172 with PDK), and combined fuel economy of 26.7 mpg (29.4 mpg with PDK).

Depending on the model (standard or S, manual or PDK transmission), the new Boxster’s output has improved by 5 or 10 horsepower, weight has dropped from 55 to 75 pounds, and fuel economy has improved from 10 to 15 percent over the outgoing model. To help with fuel economy, Porsche is introducing the auto start/stop function for both the PDK and manual transmission into the Boxster. Also, when equipped with the PDK transmission, the new 2013 Porsche Boxster benefits from “coasting,” which disconnects the engine from the transmission allowing it to roll without power when idling or cruising at highway speeds. These fuel-saving efficiency features, usually found only on hybrid vehicles, are finding their way into most of Porsche’s sports car lineup.

The new 2013 Boxster receives electromechanical power steering — being introduced to the Porsche lineup with the new 911 Carrera generation — to further improve agility and speed of response. Options such as the enhanced Porsche Active Suspension Management (which offers normal and sport driving modes), dynamic engine suspension, Porsche Torque Vectoring (which improves cornering dynamics), race-tested Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, and the optional 20-inch wheels contribute to the very highest driving performance.

2013 Porsche Boxster Design

The Boxster’s interior has been completely redesigned with influences from the Carrera GT super sports car. High on the console, the location of the standard CDR audio system with its seven-inch touchscreen display makes it more visible and more easily within reach; the monitor also displays an optional parking assistant with TopView to help protect the Boxster when parking is tight. Also new is a 4.6-inch multi-function display in the instrument panel. In addition to the most important on-board computer functions, the screen also features the map display for the optional PCM with navigation module.

The rear end of the new Boxster models has been completely redesigned: there is no longer any convertible-top compartment lid, rear wing and lights are linked by a prominent edge spanning the entire vehicle width, and the central lamp unit located beneath it combines the rear fog light and reverse lights in one flat strip. New LED taillights are integrated into the rear apron, with their shape curving around the corner of the car. The redesigned tailpipes are emphasized by the diffuser that spans the width of the vehicle. A characteristic feature of the Boxster is an oval tailpipe; the Boxster S has a twin-flow double tailpipe.

In addition, Porsche offers a wide range of other options for the new Boxster, including for the first time, Bi-Xenon headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System (which illuminates the area to the sides of the car when turning the steering wheel), two-zone automatic climate control, and electrically-operated folding exterior mirrors with welcome home lighting.

Ready to Buy the New 2013 Porsche Boxster?

The third-generation Porsche Boxster will arrive in Porsche dealer showrooms later this summer with base Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price of $49,500 for the Boxster and $60,900 for the Boxster S, not including a $950 destination charge.

Go to www.truecar.com right now to find specs and pricing on other Porsche models currently available – as well as hundreds of other makes and models – in your area. On TrueCar you can also connect with our nationwide network of dealers that offer competitive prices and a fair, hassle-free car buying experience.